Child and Family Services

The
Child and Family Services major, designed for TEACH students, helps
childcare professionals to become more effective partners with families
in fostering healthy development of children by highlighting the
importance of parenting, family systems and interpersonal dynamics in
the lives of children.

One of our minors may nicely complement the major you have already selected.

Or … perhaps you are just curious as to what our majors have to
offer. In this case, you’ll want to take our introductory class to get a
broad overview of our course content. Foundations of Marriage and
Family (HDFS 101) is offered each semester and counts for your social
science general education requirement.

So, Go Ahead … Help Build Strong Families

What is Family Science and how is it distinct from other Social Sciences?

Interdisciplinary discipline - The field provides a holistic, unified vision of families.

Foci of study concentrates on relationships, particularly within the family.

Theoretical framework which emphasizes centrality of family
systems (one affects whole), family strengths philosophy (as opposed to
pathology, deviance, anomaly), lifespan and ecosystems perspectives
(individual and family life cycle).

Thrust toward prevention, as well as intervention - providing
skills and knowledge to individuals and families at critical points
across the family life cycle to avoid problems/crises.

Students able to obtain Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) Credential.

Strengths of the Human Development and Family Science Department

Flexibility - With careful planning, students have the option to
study abroad, participate in internships, graduate with a minor, and
graduate in 3.5 years.

Experience and Application Opportunities - Several classes have a
Service-Learning component that provides students with the opportunity
to network and gain valuable skills while they volunteer in the
community.

Opportunity to pursue unique professional interests within
curricula - The Program is flexible enough to tailor specific
assignments, service-learning experiences, and internships to one's
individual interests.

Integration of Christian faith into curriculum.

Nationally respected programs.

Affirmed by the National Council of Family Relations (NCFR)
http://www.ncfr.org/ ; Graduates of both majors can be certified as
Family Life Educators (recognizes expertise in 10 content areas).